asked the Minister for Labour the amount of money which has been provided to date to assist the amalgamation of the ITGWU and the FWUI; if a request has been received for additional funds; if so, the amount; if it is intended to provide this money; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - ITGWU and FWUI Amalgamation.
135.
No grants have been paid to date in respect of the amalgamation of the ITGWU and the FWUI which is due to come into effect on 1 January 1990. Under the Trade Union Act, 1975, grants towards expenses incurred by unions as a result of an amalgamation or transfer of engagements may not be paid until after the amalgamation or transfer of engagements has been completed. An application for a grant towards the expenses incurred in the amalgamation has been received and is at present being examined by my Department. It is not clear at this stage what the amount of the grant will be.